Apple does not allow competitors to use NFC on iPhone and Apple Watch for payments

The EU antitrust regulator is about to sue Apple for anti-competitive behavior related to the use of NFC technology, which could force Apple to open its mobile payments system to competitors.

Back in June last year, the European Commission launched an investigation into Apple Pay, a proprietary mobile payment solution for the iPhone and iPad. The fact is that Apple does not allow competitors to use NFC payments on the iPhone and Apple Watch. Moreover, the Apple Pay service is preinstalled on the iPhone.

Jason Gardner, CEO of Californian payment platform Marqeta, said: "Apple is really using Apple Pay to build a financial services giant."

The source said the EU antitrust regulator is currently preparing a so-called statement of opposition, which is expected to be sent to Apple next year.